6 horses, 2 mules rescued from property in northern Missouri

MILAN (AP) — The Humane Society of Missouri has removed eight horses and mules from a northern Missouri property, claiming the animals are badly malnourished.

The Humane Society says its Animal Cruelty Task Force first discovered in June that six horses and two mules were living on a barren acre of land near the town of Milan, with no food and dirty water. The animals were removed Tuesday after the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department obtained a warrant.

The owners of the horses and mules are charged with six counts of animal abuse and neglect. Their names have not been released.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday at the Sullivan County Courthouse in Milan to determine custody of the animals.